Blue Mass honors police, sheriff, and fire fighters

DRAPER — "As Americans we cherish our guaranteed freedoms, but we can only enjoy those freedoms when shielded by the security offered by our armed forces, fire fighters, and law enforcement officers" said Dave Loftus.

Loftus is a member of St. John the Baptist Parish and a Knight of Columbus Supreme Council commissioned field agent.

The Blue Mass celebrated Jan. 27 at St. John the Baptist Parish by Father Terence Moore, pastor, was dedicated to honor, recognize and give thanks to fire fighters and law enforcement officers. The fire fighters and law enforcement officers were each awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for their role in serving and protecting the communities in which we live. Knights of Columbus Council 12181 provided a free breakfast for everyone following the Blue Mass.

"You were there for me in 2001, when our home dishwasher had a short circuit which caused a fire," said Loftus. "You secured our home and instructed us about repair and how to file an insurance claim.

"You were there for us in 2005, when my son Joe’s, sister-in-law, Lindsey, was murdered in the front seat of her car while she held her 3-year-old son in her lap. The man who killed her hid in the trunk of her car.

"You were there for us, with not only protection and the capture of the felon who killed her, but you also gave immediate instruction and counsel to our families," said Loftus. "Today Lindsey’s two sons are being raised by their uncle Joe and aunt Nichole.

Loftus said as a result of the early 1960 race riots, the national Knights of Columbus approved the Matthews and Swift Trust Fund, and the Blue Mass was a way of letting those in uniform, who are Catholics and Knights of Columbus, know funds are available for their families if they are killed in the line of duty. These benefits are also available for children of members of the military who are permanently disabled as a result of hostile action in a combat zone.

The Matthew and Swift Trust Fund provides tuition-only scholarships capped at $25,000 per child per year. A two-year time limitation has been placed on applying for the scholarships. A Mass for all deceased members is offered daily at the National Supreme Council.